Ludlow: Players looking forward to first home game of World Cup campaign
International
17 November 2017

Ludlow: Players looking forward to first home game of World Cup campaign

Wales v Kazakhstan

FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier

  • Friday, 24 November 2017
  • Cardiff City Stadium
  • Kick-off: 19:00
  • Live coverage: BBC Wales website

Jayne Ludlow says her players are relishing a return to home soil as Wales prepare to face Kazakhstan in a Women’s World Cup qualifier next Friday (7pm).

Ludlow’s side take on the eastern European team at the Cardiff City Stadium before travelling to Zenica to play Bosnia-Herzegovina four days later.

It is the first double-header of the campaign for Wales, who have started strongly with four points from their opening two games.

A 1-0 win over Kazakhstan in September was followed up by a solid goalless draw against Russia last month as Ludlow’s side currently occupy the top spot in Group 1.

“The girls have been looking forward to this game and hopefully we will put on a good performance,” she said.

“We’ve had different types of challenges so far, and it was a tough test for us when we played Kazakhstan away.

“The home game will be similar as they are a developing team who are progressing very well in the structure they have.

“We are developing each time we meet up. This camp will be the same, and the fact it is a double header means we have a different challenge with regards to preparation.

“But it is two international matches and a chance for the girls to test themselves against some high calibre players and to hopefully prove – as they have done so far – that they are capable of playing at that level.

“Unfortunately, we have lost a few players through injury, but that can happen in football. Those that are coming in now have an opportunity to show what they can do, and the first game at home will be a good one for us and one they can hopefully cherish – it could be a key game for us.”

Charlie Estcourt – who missed the draw with Russia last month – again misses out through injury, while Peyton Vincze is also sidelined for the games against Kazakhstan and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

And Ludlow had a message for the Welsh supporters ahead of their first qualifier on home soil of the current World Cup campaign.

“Come and support us,” she said. “We are a very passionate group of players, who play with our hearts on our sleeves and when we get out there on the pitch we’ll do absolutely everything to get the result for our country.”